UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025 for IAS Mains Optional Paper

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025: Punjabi literature finds its place as an optional subject in the UPSC Mains examination for civil services. This piece outlines the IAS Mains exam syllabus for UPSC Punjabi literature. Within the Civil Services Exam, Punjabi is written using the Gurumukhi script.

The course in Punjabi literature encompasses an exploration of the language’s history, literary traditions, notable dialects, and the evolution of the Gurumukhi script. It further entails a critical analysis of significant works penned by renowned Punjabi authors. The optional subject of Punjabi consists of two papers, each carrying 250 marks. For a detailed overview of the Punjabi Literature syllabus the PDF i provided below.

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025- Overview

The UPSC Punjabi Civil Services Examination consists of three stages: the preliminary round, the mains examination, and the interview stage. Among the components of the UPSC IAS Exam, candidates are required to select one optional subject. This choice significantly influences candidates’ rankings. Recent data suggests a gradual rise in the success rate of candidates opting for Literature disciplines.

Punjabi, classified as an Indo-Aryan language, holds the status of a lingua franca within the state. It also enjoys popularity in regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and portions of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Being one of India’s official languages, it is scripted in Gurumukhi as well as the Persian-derived Shahmukhi script.

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025: The UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus comprises a comprehensive study of the Punjabi language, encompassing its grammar, historical development, interactions with other language systems, and regional variations. It also includes an examination of phonetics and explores significant literary compositions in Punjabi. Candidates opting for this subject will be assessed through two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total weightage of 500 marks. Below, you will find the detailed UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus.

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025 For Optional Paper I

Section-A
(Answers must be written in Punjabi in Gurumukhi Script)

a) Origin of Punjabi language: different stages of development and recent development in Punjabi language: characteristics of Punjabi phonology and the study of its tones: classification of vowels and consonants.

b) Punjabi morphology: the number-gender system (animate and inanimate), prefixes, affixes, and different categories of Post positions: Punjabi word formation: Tatsam. Tad Bhav, forms: Sentence structure, the notion of subject and object in Punjabi: Noun and verb phrases.

c) Language and dialect; the notions of dialect and idiolect; major dialects of Punjabi; Pothohari, Majhi, Doabi, Malwai, Puadhi; the validity of speech variation on the basis of social stratification, the distinctive features of various dialects with special reference to tones. Language and script; origin and development of Gurmukhi; suitability of Gurmukhi for Punjabi.

d) Classical background; Nath Jogi Sahit
Medieval literature: Gurmat, Sufti, Kissa, and Var Janamsakhis.

Section-B
(Answers must be written in Punjabi in Gurumukhi Script)

a) Modern trends are Mystic, romantic, progressive, and no mystic (Vir Singh, Puran Singh, Mohan Singh, Amrita Pritam, Bawa Balwant, Pritam Singh Safeer, J.S. Neki).

• Experimentalist (Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, Ravinder Ravi, Ajaib Kamal).
• Aesthetes (Harbhajan Singh, Tara Singh)
• Neo-progressive (Pash. Jagtar, Patar)

b) Folk literature Folk songs, Folk tales. Riddles, Proverbs.

• Epic– (Vir Singh, Avtar Singh, Azad Mohan Singh)
• Lyric– (Gurus, Sufis, and Modern Lyricists-Mohan Singh Amrita Pritam, Shiv Kumar, Harbhajan Singh)

c) Drama —- (I.C. Nanda, Harcharan Singh, Balwant Gargi, S.S.Sekhon, Charan Das Sidhu)

• Novel — (Vir Singh, Nanak Singh, Jaswant Singh Kanwal, K.S. Duggal, Sukhbir, Gurdial Singh, Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Swaran Chandan)
• Short Story — (Sujan Singh, K.S. Virk. Prem Parkash, Waryam Sandhu).

d) Socio-cultural Sanskrit, Persian Literary influences, and Western.

• Essay — (Puran Singh, Teja Singh, Gurbaksh Singh)
• Literary Criticism — (S.S. Sekhon, Attar Singh, Kishan Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Najam Hussain Sayyad).

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025 For Optional Paper II

This paper will require first-hand reading of the texts prescribed and will be designed to test the candidate’s critical ability.

Section-A

a) Sheikh Farid The complete Bani as included in the Adi Granth.

b) Guru Nanak Japu Ji Baramah, Asa di Var

c) Bulleh Shah Kafian

d) Waris Shah Heer

Section-B

A) Shah Mohammad Jangnama (Jang Singhan te Firangian)
Dhani Ram Chatrik Chandan Vari (Poet)
Sufi Khana, Nawan Jahan

B) Nanak Singh Chitta Lahu
(Novelist) Pavittar Papi
Ek Mian Do Talwaran

C) Gurbaksh Singh Zindagi di Ras
(Essayist) Nawan Shivala
Merian Abhul Yadaan.
Balraj Sahni Mera Roosi Safarnama
(Travelogue) Mera Pakistani Safarnama

D) Balwant Gargi Loha Kutt
(Dramatist) Dhuni-di-Agg
Sultan Razia
Sant Singh Sekhon Sahityarth
(Critic) Parsidh Punjabi Kavi
Punjabi Kav Shiromani

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025 PDF

UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025: Before commencing their preparation for the Punjabi Literature optional subject, candidates are advised to thoroughly review the IAS Punjabi Literature optional syllabus. It is essential to comprehend the specific topics included in the syllabus and allocate time accordingly to achieve favourable outcomes. Candidates who are appearing in the UPSC Punjabi mains Exam can download the UPSC Punjabi Syllabus PDF Here. Click on the link below to Download the UPSC Punjabi Syllabus 2025.

Download PDF: UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus 2025 PDF

UPSC Punjabi Literature Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC Punjabi Literature Exam Pattern 2025: According to the table, the exam pattern of each paper of the UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus is assigned 250 marks, a total of 500 marks. It is crucial for candidates to aim for a high score in order to significantly impact their overall performance in the UPSC Punjabi Literature Exam. Understanding the UPSC Punjabi Literature Syllabus is the initial step towards excelling in this subject.

Candidates who have a background in Punjabi Literature during their graduation or master’s degree may find the UPSC Punjabi Literature Optional Syllabus relevant. The syllabus consists of two papers, namely Paper 1 and Paper 2. The time duration for both exams is 3 Hours.

How to Prepare for UPSC Punjabi Literature Exam 2025?

Preparing for the UPSC Punjabi Literature Exam 2025 requires a well-structured and consistent approach. Here are some tips to help you with your preparation:

• Know the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the UPSC Punjabi Literature syllabus for both the preliminary and mains exams. This will give you a clear idea of what topics to cover and focus on during your preparation.
• Collect Study Materials: Gather the necessary study materials, including textbooks, reference books, previous years’ question papers, and study guides specifically designed for UPSC Punjabi Literature preparation.
• Make a Study Plan: Create a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each subject and try to maintain a balanced study routine.
• Read Punjabi Literature Classics: Familiarize yourself with the significant literary works in Punjabi literature. Read famous Punjabi authors and their renowned literary pieces to gain insight into the language, themes, and writing style.
• Take Notes: While studying, make concise and organized notes. These notes will be helpful for quick revisions during the last few days before the exam.
• Practice Writing: Regularly practice writing answers to essay-type questions and previous years’ question papers. This will improve your writing skills and enhance your ability to present your answers effectively.
• Join Test Series: Enroll in a good test series for Punjabi Literature. This will help you evaluate your performance, identify weak areas, and get accustomed to the exam pattern.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events and developments related to Punjab and the Punjabi language. This knowledge can be beneficial for both the preliminary and mains exams.
• Revise Regularly: Consistent revision is essential to retain what you have learned. Set aside time for revision and make sure to go through your notes and important concepts regularly.

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